Forrest Kelly
The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast
Raising the Bar Dutcher Crossing: 6 Wines to 30, Bold Sonoma Vision Pt. 3
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Raising the Bar Dutcher Crossing: 6 Wines to 30, Bold Sonoma Vision Pt. 3

Pt. 3 with Debra Mathy of Dutcher Crossing Winery, we dive into the first major changes she made after becoming owner—pushing the winery toward more vineyard-designate wines and challenging her founding winemaker to raise the bar.

Debra’s first major move as owner: adding vineyard-designate wines

A pivotal conversation with the founding winemaker: “I need you to rise higher

Balancing respect for the past while building upon the existing foundation

The challenge of earning trust from multi-generation vineyard families

Growth story: from 6 wines to 30 wines—and why people thought she was crazy

Philosophy shift: not about volume, but about making the best possible cases

Small lots, big commitment: ~300-case vineyard lots and the storytelling required to support them

A family-driven mindset: seize opportunities when they come

Location context: 25 miles north of Santa Rosa, near the northern end of Sonoma Valley

Dry Creek Valley growth: wineries doubled from 30 to about 60 over 20 years

A winery setting compared to Tuscany, with breathtaking vineyard views and photo-worthy landscapes

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